Fulham Close On Celta Full-Back As Deadline Looms

Fulham are closing in on the signing of Celta Vigo full-back Hugo Mallo, claims Sky Sports.

The right-back is a former Spain Under-21 international, who was also capped at Under-19 and Under-20 levels, making 12 appearances for his country in total.

He joined Celta from school and made his debut in 2009, when the Celestes were in the Segunda Division and remained a constant as the club returned to La Liga, re-establishing themselves in the top flight.

Mallo has 258 league appearances under his belt, as well as 43 in domestic and European cup competitions. He would bring much-needed experience to what is a young Fulham squad which lost Ryan Fredericks to West Ham on a free transfer earlier this summer.

Whites boss Slavisa Jokanovic is determined to sign three more players before tomorrow’s 5 pm transfer deadline passes. Mallo is the right-back targeted but he also wants a left-back and defensive midfielder.

Fulham’s hopes of signing Theo Hernandez from Real Madrid appear to be dashed with Real Sociedad in pole position to sign the youngster. Matt Targett of Southampton is another left-back under consideration, but the club denied making bids for either player.

Other targets reportedly include Palermo’s Haitam Aleesami and Joshua Guilavogui of Wolfsburg.